Nashville Zoo

My first visit to a proper zoo probably took place after my 20th year. Until that time, nearly all my experiences with wild animals were in their natural habitats. And those experiences were many, often under the watchful eye of my game-ranger father, in Africa. Obviously, captivity cannot compare to the wild. But, beyond that truism, there is another observation worth remembering: In many ways, nothing domestic compares to the wild -- even when the wild is captive. For that reason, and because my adventure opportunities are now limited, I thoroughly enjoy visits to the zoo. Perhaps these photos, taken at the Nashville Zoo, can tell you how I feel. The animals and creatures remind me of companions of my younger, wilder years. Each species retains its own charm and pride. Barriers may cast shadows, but they cannot dim the innate light in wild eyes. .

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The Meerkat (suricata suricatta) is a type of mongoose found in Southern Africa, especially in South Africa and the Kalahari Desert of Botswana. A clan of meerkats always has a lookout, such as this one, who keeps a careful watch for predators while the other clan members go about their continual search for food and fun.